Pakistan strongly condemned the killing of Chinese nationals in a terrorist attack in Tajikistan and extended condolences to both China and Tajikistan over the incident near the Afghan border.
The condemnation came hours after three Chinese workers were killed in a drone and firearm attack launched from Afghanistan, targeting employees of a Chinese company in southern Tajikistan, according to the Tajik foreign ministry.
In a statement, the Foreign Office described the assault as a “heinous terrorist attack” and expressed sorrow over the loss of lives.
“Pakistan expresses its deepest condolences and strong solidarity with the government and people of the People’s Republic of China, as well as with the government and people of Tajikistan,” the statement said.
The Foreign Office noted that the attack reportedly involved armed drones, calling it a stark reminder of the gravity of the threat originating from Afghanistan and the brazenness of those responsible.
It added that Pakistan has long been a victim of similar cross-border attacks and therefore fully understands and shares the grief and frustration of China and Tajikistan.
Reiterating its concerns, Islamabad warned that Afghan territory must not be allowed to be used for terrorism against neighboring states.
“Pakistan has consistently stressed that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against its neighbors or any other country. The repeated use of Afghan territory by terrorist elements under the patronage of the Afghan Taliban regime is a matter of serious concern for the entire region and the wider international community,” the statement emphasized.
It warned that the continued presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan under the Taliban’s protection remains a serious regional threat.
“Concrete and verifiable action against the perpetrators, supporters, facilitators, and financiers of these terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil is the only way to counter this growing menace,” it added.
